It’s not only shopping malls that attract crowds on Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving is also one of the busiest museum days of the year, with holiday travelers and their hosts streaming into exhibitions.
With well over 100 museums in Arizona alone, it would be the world’s longest blog if I posted them all here (If you’re looking for the lengthy list, check out Wikipedia.com)

Here is a shorter list with 10 museums in Phoenix that you can visit this Black Friday. Or any day for that matter.

Shemer Art Center & Museum
Formerly a private residence, this art center and museum sits on four well-manicured acres overlooking Camelback Mountain and is one of the few places to see large-scale sculpture outdoors. The displays change throughout the year as some are sold and others make way for newer works. The museum’s permanent collection has over 100 artworks by contemporary Arizona artists. In addition, art classes for children and adults are offered. The center maintains an interesting schedule of events and exhibitions, including lectures and workshops. Admission to the Shemer is free, but there is a suggested donation of $7. This is one of the Valley’s hidden gems. (602-262-4727)

Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park
This museum and its adjacent park are built on the site of 1500-year-old Hohokam Indian ruins. Exhibits showcase lifestyles of the Hohokam and of other Southwestern tribes, and visitors learn about Phoenix’s cultural heritage through displays of arts and crafts created and used by Native Americans. An informative and fun hands-on exhibit encourages children to learn more about archaeology. A fully accessible 2/3 mile trail takes visitors through the prehistoric site, which includes a partially excavated platform mound, ballcourt, and replicated prehistoric houses. The site is conveniently located minutes from downtown Phoenix next to Sky Harbor International Airport. It’s a National Historic Landmark and Phoenix Point of Pride site. ((602) 495-0901)

Arizona State University Art Museum
Located in a stunning contemporary building, this museum showcases a variety of galleries with ever-changing exhibits. The predominant emphases include modern, Latin and folk art, in addition to an array of arts and crafts. The permanent collection is strong on pieces exemplifying new media, ceramics and other crafts, prints, art from Arizona and the Southwest and art of the Americas. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the gift shop, which contains a variety of items similar to the original pieces displayed in the gallery. The museum has been named one of the best venues for contemporary art in the country by top art publications. (480-965-2787)

Arizona Science Center
Housed in a dramatic building next to the city’s historic Heritage Square, the Science Center offers well over 300 interactive exhibits. A giant-screen IMAX theater shows educational films, and the planetarium boasts one of the largest domes in the west. Exhibits are organized into galleries that explore human physiology, physical forces, transportation, geology, computers, and applied sciences. Most of exhibits are interactive and hands-on and cater to children of all ages. The Science Center also plays host to regular “Adults Night Out” nights, featuring special lectures, exhibits, and even adult beverages. Classes, camps and other learning programs are offered throughout the year. (602-716-2000)

Arizona Capitol Museum
Housed in an impressive stone building that once served as the state capitol, this museum documents Arizona’s time as a territory and its early statehood. The structure itself is crowned with a copper dome and a 16-foot, zinc Winged Victory statue. Within the building are flags documenting the state’s history, including ones representing Spain, Mexico, and the Confederacy. Offices and congressional chambers have been restored to period splendor, and Megargee paintings (with Arizona as their theme) grace the interior. World War II buffs can browse the USS Arizona display, which offers artifacts, recollections from survivors, and a specially commissioned silver service. (602-926-3620)

Children’s Museum of Phoenix
The Children’s Museum of Phoenix, located in the 70,000 square foot historic Monroe School building in downtown Phoenix, offers three floors of exhibits designed to engage young children and the adults who love them. Exhibits are hands-on and interactive, making this a fun place to spend the day with the favorite child in your life. Kids will love exploring the nooks and crannies of The Climber, an amazing multi-storied exhibit created with recycled materials. The Noodle Forest gives kids a sensory adventure in a safe environment, while The Market allows kids to roleplay in a fun grocery store setting. An art studio, book loft, and designated tricycle area add to the fun at this colorful and always-busy museum. ((602) 253-0501)

Deer Valley Rock Art Center
On a 47-acre site north of Phoenix, Indians from throughout the Southwest carved more than 1500 petroglyphs, or rock etchings, along an ancient trade route. Between 500 and 5000 years old, these pictographs have an unknown meaning but may relate to hunting, religion, astronomy, or intertribal communication. Today, they’re open to viewing along a quarter-mile trail; you can follow a guided tour or direct yourself among the boulders. Indoors, a video speculates on the nature of the carvings, and exhibits and a gift shop are available. This is a great museum for learning more about the Native American cultures that lives in the region for centuries. (623-582-8007)

Musical Instrument Museum
The Musical Instrument Museum, also known as the MIM, celebrates art, music and culture by documenting the history of musical instruments from around the world. Everyone from Carlos Santana to Tony Bennett have sung the praises of this bright, open museum, which also hosts a full calendar of live music events. The museum collection includes instruments from 200 countries from around the world, with emphasis on ethnic, folk, and tribal music. Guests are given wireless headsets so they can hear instruments being played at each display, and flat-panel monitors throughout the museum give guests the opportunity to see instruments being performed live. Whether you love Chinese opera or Big Band jazz, the MIM celebrates the joy of musical expression in all its forms. ((480) 478-6000)

Phoenix Art Museum
Another institution growing by leaps and bounds, this museum’s scope is indisputably international with works representing American, Asian, European and Latin American art. The museum also features exhibits on fashion and the Thorne miniature rooms (rooms from different historical periods, scaled down to hatbox size). With more than more than 18,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, expect to spend some time exploring the halls of this vibrant museum. Major exhibitions, film screenings and various cultural events fill the calendar at this popular attraction. Make sure to stop by the gift shop on your way out for unique, art-inspired items. (602-257-1222, 602-657-1880)

Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art
The well-regarded, world-famous Heard Museum is one of the world’s leading repositories of Native American art. It also features works by contemporary Southwestern artists, craft demonstrations, amphitheater performances, a caf–, and a gift shop. Paintings, drawings, and sculpture figure into the collection, along with domestic objects, textiles, pottery, dolls, and jewelry. The museum’s revolving calendar of exhibitions offer new insight into Native American tradition, history and cultural trends. Anyone with even the slightest interest in Southwestern history and culture should make this a must-see destination when visiting the Valley of the Sun. Along with the original Heard Museum in central Phoenix, the museum also has branches established in other parts of the city, including Heard Museum North in Scottsdale, and Heard Museum West in Surprise. (602-252-8848, 602-252-8840)

 

 

 

As a third generation real estate agent and native of Arizona, I am passionate about helping you and your loved ones achieve your real estate goals. If you are buying or selling in Gilbert or any of the East Valley cities, trust that I will go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

Across the country, military families are looking for assistance on a host of issues. The following resources are non-profits and military agencies that can assist as families seek answers to questions and support for personal challenges.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Servicemember Affairs Office
consumerfinance.gov/servicemembers/
Servicemembers should be able to accomplish their mission without worrying about illegal or harmful financial practices. The Office of Servicemember Affairs is here to ensure that military personnel and their families have a voice at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Military life can have some extra challenges that can sometimes have powerful financial repercussions.

Hope for Warriors
The mission of Hope For the Warriors® is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families. Hope For The Warriors® has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator ( www.charitynavigator.org ), an independent organization that evaluates fiscal responsibility and accountability of nonprofits.

VA Mortgage Assistance
If you have a VA loan, this link will provide you with a list of resources focused on the workout process.

USA Cares
USA Cares exists to help bear the burdens of service by providing post-9/11 military families with financial and advocacy support in their time of need. Assistance is provided to all branches of service, all components, all ranks while protecting the privacy and dignity of those military families and veterans who request our help. USA Cares is a Kentucky based 501(c)3 non-profit, charitable organization.

Army OneSource
A comprehensive resource for Army service members.

Military OneSource
Throughout Military OneSource, you will be able to find information on every phase of military life including deployment, parenting, financial management, spouse employment and more.

Ride 2 Recovery
Ride 2 Recovery organizes the commemorative bike rides that take wounded warriors from Ground Zero on September 11 through Pennsylvania to the Pentagon a week later.

Soldier Ride
Like Ride 2 Recovery, the Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride is dedicated to getting the wounded up out of their wheelchairs or rehab clinics and out onto bicycles. Both organizations are looking for riders, volunteers and fundraisers across the United States.

The Fisher House
The Fisher House provides free housing to wounded troops on the grounds of major military hospitals. “It’s a terrific program because otherwise, to have my family with me it would have been a hotel or some other strange place,” said Bobby Henline, who was badly burned in an IED explosion in 2007 and moved into The Fisher House with his family.

Hero Miles
Through its Hero Miles program, the Fisher House Foundation also provides free air transportation for the families of wounded warriors who must travel between home and hospital. The program uses donated frequent flyer miles from the public.

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society
The Navy Marine Corps Relief Fund provides trauma care nurses and volunteers to augment short-staff hospital wards.

Semper Fi Fund
The Semper Fi Fund brings specially adapted clothing to amputees.

Adaptive Adventures
Adaptive Adventures takes disabled veterans on ski trips, organizing adaptive sports, enabling disabled warriors to go fishing, ride horses, mountain climb, even paraglide. Still others provide job counseling and training and help wounded veterans find jobs.

The Mission Continues
To build an America where every returning veteran can serve again as a citizen leader, and where together we honor the fallen by living their values through service.

Project Healing Waters
Many communities across the country are home to organizations dedicated to providing sports and recreation activities to people with physical, cognitive (e.g., PTSD, TBI) and visual disabilities, including disabled Veterans. Programs may be offered through your city’s Parks and Recreation department, a local rehabilitation hospital, or an independent organization that has been established in your area. Find a program near you.

Disabled Sports USA
Disabled Sport USA’s mission is to provide national leadership and opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence, and fitness through participation in community sports, recreation and educational programs.

Wounded Warrior Wives
Wounded Warrior Wives relieves the wives of the severely wounded away from their 24/7 bedside caregiver role and flies them away for a weekend of fun and companionship.

Give an Hour
Give an Hour links up mental help professionals, who donate their time, with military service members and their families, to receive free counseling. This organization can provide assistance beyond the VA, in terms of mental health counseling.

Wounded Warriors
The Wounded Warrior Project aims to honor and empower warriors, who were injured on or after Sept. 11, 2001, through its athletic, employment and rehabilitative programs.

Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America
Iraq And Afghanistan Veterans Of America works to improve the health, education, employment and community opportunities for the veterans through programming and public policy initiatives.

United Service Organizations
United Service Organizations aims to boost our troops’ morale through its entertainment and educational programming. The USO works to provide “a home away from home” for military servicemen and servicewomen stationed in 27 states and 14 countries.

Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront offers a range of programs, including food assistance, vision care and moving services, for military families facing financial hardship.

ServiceNation
Launched in 2008, ServiceNation envisions a United States where a commonly asked question is “Where do you serve?” Through its promotion of national days of service and strategic partnerships across the philanthropic, government, military, entertainment, retail sectors, this nonprofit hopes to inspire a national culture of volunteering among citizens across the United States.

Navy Seal Foundation
The Navy Seal Foundation provides immediate and continuing support to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families through its endowments and health and education programs.

National Military Families Association
The Military Families Association ensures that those who serve in the military — and their family members — gain access to the education and financial benefits that they deserve.

T.A.P.S.
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors has assisted more than 30,000 surviving family members, casualty officers and caregivers with its peer-based emotional support, case-work assistance, and crisis intervention.

Homes For Troops
Homes For Troops builds specially-adapted homes for servicemen and servicewomen returning home with serious injuries so that they can live in an environment that provides maximum freedom of movement and the ability to live independently.

Disabled American Veterans
The Disabled American Veterans employs a virtual army of 250 national service officers who work from 88 offices across the country to help veterans and their families settle claims with the VA, the Defense Department and other government agencies.

Warrior Writers
The organization helps the wounded express themselves through writing and art.

 

 

 

As a third generation real estate agent and native of Arizona, I am passionate about helping you and your loved ones achieve your real estate goals. If you are buying or selling in Gilbert or any of the East Valley cities, trust that I will go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

The holidays are here! Again! (Where did the time go?) As we begin to move into the new year, here are some tips to keep your holiday spending on track this year.

6 Tips for Keeping Budgets on Track

As holiday season kicks into high gear, it’s easy to get swept up in the holiday-shopping hysteria. But if you plan ahead, you can keep spending under control and go into the new year without unnecessary debt. Here’s how.

Start saving early
Prepare for the holidays year-round with an account that sets money aside for holiday shopping. (You can always start in January if you didn’t do this in 2014!)

Cut back
Little changes can add up to big savings over time. Bring your lunch to work one more day each week or make your own coffee instead of shelling out for the coffee-shop brew. Put those savings away each week for holiday purchases.

Stay on target
Make a list of everyone you need to buy a gift for before you start shopping and come up with a budget that covers everyone accordingly. And – most importantly – stick to it!

Leave your credit cards at home
One way to not get in over your head during the holidays is to spend only what you have. Use cash, checks and debit cards to pay for your purchases.

Credit-card discounts
If you do opt to use credit cards for holiday purchases, do your research. Many companies have deals with retailers – especially online – that will earn you savings if you use the right card.

Installments
The layaway payment plan has recently experienced a resurgence. Several major retailers offer the option in store and online, and it can be a great alternative to credit cards and their interest.

(Source: Ryan Parker – Nova Home Loans)

As a third generation real estate agent and native of Arizona, I am passionate about helping you and your loved ones achieve your real estate goals. If you are buying or selling in Gilbert or any of the East Valley cities, trust that I will go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

Welcome Home!Power Ranch Community Association Residents! At Power Ranch, an abundance of amenities are brought to life by community events, classes and clubs designed to gather neighbors together and build community. With over 25 parks, greenbelts, tree-lined streets and grass, Power Ranch creates a beautiful ‘greenscape’ for residents and guests. Over 27 miles of trails link neighbors to amenities and each other. The best place to live!

 

 

As a third generation real estate agent and native of Arizona, I am passionate about helping you and your loved ones achieve your real estate goals. If you are buying or selling in Gilbert or any of the East Valley cities, trust that I will go the extra mile to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.